Students Discover Value of MI-Made Products

by Lisa Diggs

One of the greatest ways to ensure that our buy local movement makes a significant economic contribution is to involve the youngest generation. Not only do kids shop, they also influence their parents' buying decisions. Which is why it's always exciting to hear about teachers who incorporate our campaign into a lesson.

That’s exactly what happened on December 19, 2012. Mrs. Duncan’s third grade class at Murphy Elementary School, in Metamora got inspired. For those of you not familiar with Metamora, it’s in Lapeer County, about 25 miles southeast of Flint.

As part of a social studies project on the economy, the kids set up a Buy Michigan booth at lunchtime for the 2nd-5th graders in their school. The booth had a variety of Michigan-made products on display including Pioneer sugar, Better Made potato chips, Hudsonville ice cream, Jiffy muffin mix, Will Cole popcorn, Absopure water, Sanders hot fudge topping, Indian Summer apple juice, Faygo pop, and more.

Students operating the booth handed out samples of potato chips made by The Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. They then asked their peers to sign the Buy Michigan Now pledge.

Every student who chose to sign the pledge had their name put into a drawing for a snack pack of Michigan-made products that included a bottle of Faygo and a small bag of Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. chips. In all, they inspired 121 students to take the pledge!

According to Mrs. Duncan, “The goal was to help their friends see and identify products made in our state and in turn, their friends would be more likely to spot those products on the shelves at their grocery store.” She adds, “If each family spent a little more on Michigan-made products, these third graders could have an even greater impact than they even realize on the economy in our state.”

Congratulations to Mrs. Duncan and all the children at Murphy Elementary School for taking an active step to be part of Michigan’s revitalization!

Student involvement in the campaign has ranged from these youngsters, to high school students dedicating an issue of their school paper to the cause to college undergrads hosting campus-wide events to raise awareness.

We are always anxious to work with and hear from teachers who are willing to introduce to their students the impact that buying local can make. Please let us know if you or your children have been involved in such a project. Teachers interested in taking part may email ideas or questions to me at info@BuyMichiganNow.com.

If your school or community group is interested in hosting a pledge drive, click HERE for some helpful guidelines.